The New Canaan Historical Society promotes an understanding and appreciation of our town’s past, from its colonial days to the modern era and beyond.

Exciting events for all ages

Engaging Reenactments
and Demonstrations

See What History Your Town Has to Offer!

New Canaan Historical Society

Founded in 1889, we promote historic preservation and build an appreciation of our Town’s rich past through programs, events, research, exhibitions, museums and more.– Learn More

Historic Town Register

Here we have a selection of significant New Canaan homes over 100 years old, Drummond Visitation Homes, Landmark Homes, New Canaan Historic District Homes, and more. – Learn More

Genealogical
Research

Genealogical Research

The New Canaan Historical Society maintains a large, well-focused research library of more than 3,500 volumes, specializing in local history, regional history, and genealogy. – Learn More

Calendar
of Events

Calendar of Events

We hold a large diversity of events all year long. Events are for the all ages and those interested inthe history of New Canaan and the surrounding area.– Learn More

Celebrate With Us, 125 Years and Counting

Woven In Time: Kashmir Shawls

July – September 2015
A new exhibit of Kashmir shawls is opening at the New Canaan Historical Society’s Costumes Museum. The shawls shown reflect the preferences of Americans during the Victorian Period. Included in the exhibit are shawls from the 1st quarter of the 19th century through the end of the century. All shawls and costumes are from the Society’s collection.

May 29 – August 15
“The Cartoonists of Silvermine: Past and Present” is an historical retrospective exhibiting reproductions of seventeen cartoonists who worked or lived in Silvermine from 1900 though the present. On display in the Silvermine Room.

Some Historical Facts

The New Canaan Playhouse opened on Sept. 19, 1923 with a showing of “Down to the Sea in Ships”

The town’s first fire engine was paid for on July 4, 1845 in which a volunteer fire company was organized

The dedication of the town’s first high school took place on July 4, 1926

New Canaan’s first retail shoe store was built in 1870 at the corner of Elm, J. & J. Benedict

A Century Ago…

The 1910 census showed that New Canaan’s population had risen to 3,667 residents. The town reported an assessment of 945 houses (up 53 from the year before) with a value of $2,859,560. New Canaan received the generous donation of a large parcel of land from the widow of Benjamin P. Mead, thus paving the way for the creation of Mead Park in the coming years. Construction was also underway for the town’s first library, architected by a local resident.